false test ?allergy

Sep 18, 2008

I would like to consult a specialist like you because I have severe symptoms and negative tests.I'm 21.As you once wrote 'Although long-term use of immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids, can affect HIV-antibody-test results, this would cause a false-negative result, rather than a false-positive result. The reason for this is that corticosteroids can suppress the body's ability to make antibodies, including anti-HIV antibodies. Consequently, someone who is HIV positive and on significant corticosteroids could test HIV negative (false-negative). Corticosteroids also would not affect HIV PCR RNA viral load test results.'
Accordingly,I took corticosteroids for asthma when I was a child and I am an allergic?What test would be appropriate(not false negative?)
I have neurological symptoms:headache, backache, neuropathy etc. and very risky encounter on my account.
My antibody tests are negative after 6 and 9 months and PCR RNA quantitive test after a year is negative.
Please tell me what other tests shall I do?WB?(antibodies-no?)CD4?or PCR DNA?
I would appreciate if you expand on this
Best wishes,
Kate

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hello Kate,

Taking corticosteroids when you were a child would not affect your HIV-antibody test results as a 21-year-old adult. No way. No how! Your negative six- and nine-month HIV-antibody tests are definitive and conclusive. The undetectable PCR RNA test at one year is further corroborative evidence that HIV is not your problem. No way. No how. (No John McCain. No Sarah "I can see Russia from my house" Palin.)

I can't diagnose the cause of your symptoms over the Internet, but I can with absolute certainty advise you what is not causing them: it's not HIV. Stop perseverating on a disease you could not possibly have. The evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable. You do not have HIV and no further HIV testing is warranted. If you continue to worry about HIV, despite my reassurance, I suggest you seek the services of a psychologist to help you to accept the wonderful reality that you are HIV negative.

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